{"id":35658,"date":"2025-12-18T11:49:54","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:49:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=35658"},"modified":"2025-12-18T11:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:58:37","slug":"esl-holiday-activities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/","title":{"rendered":"10 ESL Activities to Explore Global Holidays and Traditions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>Do you want to bring the joy of global celebrations into your ESL classroom? These 10 ESL holiday activities help teachers explore world traditions, share favorite customs, and build language skills. These activities move from fun research projects to creative storytelling, and they make learning about global holidays engaging and meaningful. With options for both online and in-person classes, you can help students connect with the world \u2013 no passport required!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-5844c757-3b3b-4694-b89a-de603f6b0555\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#0-1-holiday-traditions-around-the-world-research-project\" style=\"\">1. Holiday traditions around the world research project<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#1-2-find-someone-who-celebrates%E2%80%A6\" style=\"\">2. Find someone who celebrates\u2026<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#2-3-holiday-symbols-and-meanings\" style=\"\">3. Holiday symbols and meanings<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#3-4-holiday-storytelling-\" style=\"\">4. Holiday storytelling<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#4-5-holiday-debate-%E2%80%9Cthe-most-important-thing-about-holidays-is%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D-\" style=\"\">5. Holiday debate: \u201cThe most important thing about holidays is\u2026\u201d<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#5-6-holiday-traditions-timeline-\" style=\"\">6. Holiday traditions timeline<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#6-7-%E2%80%9Cdesign-your-own-holiday%E2%80%9D-project-\" style=\"\">7. \u201cDesign your own holiday\u201d project<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#7-8-holiday-themed-%E2%80%9Cwould-you-rather%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D-\" style=\"\">8. Holiday-themed \u201cWould you rather\u2026?\u201d<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#8-9-holiday-idioms-and-expressions-\" style=\"\">9. Holiday idioms and expressions<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-holiday-activities\/#9-10-holiday-traditions-%E2%80%9Ctaboo%E2%80%9D-game-\" style=\"\">10. Holiday traditions \u201cTaboo\u201d game<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-1-holiday-traditions-around-the-world-research-project\">1. Holiday traditions around the world research project<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity asks students to research and share their findings on different holiday traditions, and it builds teamwork and presentation skills in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity builds research skills, boosts presentation confidence, and helps students learn about different cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Form groups:<\/strong> Divide students into small groups using breakout rooms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assign topics:<\/strong> Assign each group a culture or holiday to research, or let them choose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research and prepare: <\/strong>Students use online resources and guiding questions, such as \u201cWhat\u2019s the history of this holiday?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create presentations:<\/strong> Students use Google Slides or Prezi for their presentations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present:<\/strong> Groups take turns sharing their screens to present to the class.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Form groups: <\/strong>Divide the class into small groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assign topics:<\/strong> Give each group a specific culture or holiday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research and prepare:<\/strong> Students use books, printed articles, and guiding questions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create posters or skits:<\/strong> Groups create posters or perform skits.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present and discuss:<\/strong> Groups present their findings and answer classmates\u2019 questions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-activities-kids-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Do you want good ideas year-round? Check out these ESL games and activities for kids and teens.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/holiday-traditions-research-project.jpg\" alt=\"An image of students working on a research project\" class=\"wp-image-36306\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/holiday-traditions-research-project.jpg 550w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/holiday-traditions-research-project-480x349.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 550px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Students in groups working on a research project. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-2-find-someone-who-celebrates%E2%80%A6\">2. Find someone who celebrates\u2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity uses a classic and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-icebreakers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">easy ESL icebreaker<\/a> with a cultural twist, and it lets students learn about each other&#8217;s holiday traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students practice asking questions, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ell-listening-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">build listening skills<\/a>, and share cultural traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Create a digital worksheet:<\/strong> Use prompts like \u201cFind someone who celebrates a holiday with special food.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Use breakout rooms:<\/strong> Students chat in pairs or small groups, and they ask questions to complete their sheets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discuss findings:<\/strong> Back in the main room, students share interesting facts they learned.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Distribute worksheets:<\/strong> Each student gets a worksheet with prompts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mingle and ask:<\/strong> Students walk around, and they ask each other questions to find matches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Class discussion:<\/strong> Afterward, students share what they learned with the whole class.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template3\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ebook-Teaching-Online-Games-and-Activities-Suite-TOGAS-Young-Learners.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Infuse fun into your lessons with this free eBook sample<\/h5><h3>Teaching Online Games and Activities \u2013 Young Learners<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-young-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-3-holiday-symbols-and-meanings\">3. Holiday symbols and meanings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity helps students examine the meanings of holiday symbols, from lights to special foods, across various cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students learn about holiday symbols, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-esl-vocabulary\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">build vocabulary<\/a>, and develop comparison skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Introduce symbols:<\/strong> Share images of symbols (e.g., lights, trees, special foods).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research and discuss:<\/strong> Students research what these symbols mean in different cultures using online resources.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a digital chart:<\/strong> Students collaborate on a shared document, and they add findings about each symbol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present and compare<\/strong>: Each student explains one symbol to the class.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Show symbols:<\/strong> Bring pictures or objects representing different symbols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research in small groups<\/strong>: Students work in pairs to research a symbol.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create visuals: <\/strong>Each pair creates a small poster with images and meanings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Class display: <\/strong>Hang posters on a wall for a \u201csymbol gallery,\u201d and have students walk around to view and discuss.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-vocabulary-games\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Check out these engaging ESL vocabulary games for teaching in person or online.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-4-holiday-storytelling-\"><strong>4. Holiday storytelling<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity encourages students to get creative by crafting holiday stories that weave together traditions from around the world. This task boosts writing skills and deepens students\u2019 appreciation for diverse cultures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students practice creative writing and narrative skills by crafting stories with cultural elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brainstorm together<\/strong>: As a class, brainstorm holiday elements like characters or traditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provide prompts<\/strong>: Give prompts like \u201cA holiday celebration gone wrong.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write stories<\/strong>: Students write their own stories using Google Docs or a similar tool.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share stories<\/strong>: Students share their stories in the chat or read them aloud to the class.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brainstorm together:<\/strong> Have students brainstorm holiday themes or characters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Provide prompts:<\/strong> Share prompts for inspiration.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Write and share:<\/strong> Students write their stories individually or in pairs, and they read them aloud to the class.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-writing-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about teaching writing to ESL\/EFL students at any level.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"550\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/holiday-storytelling-ESL-Activities-to-Explore-Global-Holidays-and-Traditions.jpg\" alt=\"An image of a teacher helping students put together a story book\" class=\"wp-image-36304\" style=\"width:550px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/holiday-storytelling-ESL-Activities-to-Explore-Global-Holidays-and-Traditions.jpg 550w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/holiday-storytelling-ESL-Activities-to-Explore-Global-Holidays-and-Traditions-480x349.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 550px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Holiday storytelling is the perfect ESL holiday activity for encouraging creative thinking.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-5-holiday-debate-%E2%80%9Cthe-most-important-thing-about-holidays-is%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D-\"><strong>5. Holiday debate: \u201cThe most important thing about holidays is\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity engages students in a friendly debate where they explore and share diverse perspectives on the true meaning of holidays. This debate encourages critical thinking and respectful discussion, and it highlights the many ways people celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teaching-critical-thinking-skills-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">develop critical thinking skills<\/a> and practice persuasive speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Introduce debate topic:<\/strong> Discuss holiday purposes (e.g., family, tradition).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Form teams in breakout rooms: <\/strong>One team supports \u201cHolidays are for family,\u201d and the other team supports \u201cHolidays are for tradition.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare arguments: <\/strong>Students use online resources to prepare points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Hold the debate:<\/strong> Bring everyone back to the main room, and let each team present.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Divide into teams:<\/strong> One team supports \u201cHolidays are for family,\u201d and the other team supports \u201cHolidays are for tradition.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Prepare and debate:<\/strong> Each team prepares arguments and presents them in a structured debate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reflect together:<\/strong> Discuss what students learned about different perspectives.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/micro\/teaching-online-games-teenagers\">Check out Bridge&#8217;s 10-hour online Micro-Credential course in Games and Activities for the Online Classroom (Teenagers) to discover fresh ideas that make learning fun and interactive!<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-6-holiday-traditions-timeline-\"><strong>6. Holiday traditions timeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity asks students to create a timeline that showcases holidays from various cultures across the year. This project helps students explore global traditions while they practice presentation skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students understand chronological order and learn about holidays year-round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Introduce the concept of a timeline<\/strong>: Explain how timelines present events in order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assign holidays<\/strong>: Each student or group gets a holiday to research.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a digital timeline<\/strong>: Students use a tool like <a href=\"https:\/\/padlet.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Padlet<\/a> or <a href=\"http:\/\/slides.google.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Google Slides<\/a> to build the timeline together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present<\/strong>: Each student or group explains their holiday spot on the timeline.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Divide topics:<\/strong> Each student or group researches a different holiday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a physical timeline:<\/strong> Students add their holiday to a large paper timeline on the wall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discuss:<\/strong> Walk along the timeline, and have each student or group explain their holiday\u2019s spot.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tefl-speaking-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Looking for more activities that get students talking? Here are some TEFL speaking activities<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/online-teen.png\" alt=\"Teen working online during an ESL lesson.\" class=\"wp-image-12567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/online-teen.png 560w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/online-teen-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 560px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Creating a holiday traditions timeline helps students understand chronological order and learn about holidays year-round.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-7-%E2%80%9Cdesign-your-own-holiday%E2%80%9D-project-\"><strong>7. \u201cDesign your own holiday\u201d project<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity asks students to use their creativity to design a unique holiday with its own customs, symbols, and celebrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity sparks creativity as students invent unique holidays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brainstorm together: <\/strong>Think about elements like symbols, food, and traditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan the holiday:<\/strong> Each student creates a holiday with details like name, date, and traditions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create digital presentations:<\/strong> Students use slides or posters to showcase their holiday.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present and vote:<\/strong> Students present their holidays, and the class votes for their favorite.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brainstorm together:<\/strong> Think about elements like food and symbols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plan and create:<\/strong> Each student makes a holiday poster with details and visuals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Present and vote:<\/strong> Students share their holiday ideas with the class, and the class votes on their favorite.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/creative-thinking-esl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Learn more about unleashing the power of creative thinking in your ESL classroom and building confidence in your students.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-8-holiday-themed-%E2%80%9Cwould-you-rather%E2%80%A6%E2%80%9D-\"><strong>8. Holiday-themed \u201cWould you rather\u2026?\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This lively \u201cWould You Rather?\u201d game gets students talking as they share holiday preferences and practice conversational skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students practice speaking and expressing preferences with a fun twist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare scenarios:<\/strong> Share prompts like \u201cWould you rather spend a holiday at the beach or in the mountains?\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Discuss in breakout rooms:<\/strong> Students discuss their choices in small groups.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share with class:<\/strong> Students return to the main room, and they share answers and reasons.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Present scenarios:<\/strong> Read prompts to the class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Small group discussion:<\/strong> Students discuss choices with their group, and they share with the class.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Class sharing:<\/strong> Each group shares some answers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template4\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-teenagers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ebook-Teaching-Online-Games-and-Activities-Suite-TOGAS-Teeangers.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Motivate your students with this free eBook sample<\/h5><h3>Teaching Online Games and Activities \u2013 Teenagers<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-teach-online-games-teenagers\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-9-holiday-idioms-and-expressions-\"><strong>9. Holiday idioms and expressions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This activity expands students&#8217; vocabulary and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/promoting-social-cultural-global-environmental-awareness\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">promotes social and cultural awareness<\/a> by introducing holiday idioms from around the world. This activity adds a festive flair to language learning while it explores unique expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity teaches holiday idioms, builds vocabulary, and explores cultural expressions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Introduce idioms:<\/strong> Share idioms like \u201cturkeys voting for Christmas.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Research and share:<\/strong> Students research idioms from their cultures and share their meanings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create digital flashcards:<\/strong> Students make flashcards or slides with idioms and meanings.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Introduce idioms:<\/strong> Teach idioms from various cultures.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create posters:<\/strong> Students make posters illustrating idioms and meanings.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Display and discuss:<\/strong> Display posters, and discuss how idioms reflect cultural values.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/esl-games-for-adults\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Add excitement to your adult ESL classes using these easy ESL games for adults.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-10-holiday-traditions-%E2%80%9Ctaboo%E2%80%9D-game-\"><strong>10. Holiday traditions \u201cTaboo\u201d game<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This guessing game lets students describe holiday traditions without using certain words, and it makes the task a fun challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> This activity helps students practice describing ideas without specific words and enhances vocabulary and communication skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Online setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare digital cards:<\/strong> Use <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tools-for-teaching-engish-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">digital tools for online English teachers<\/a> to create Taboo cards with holiday traditions and forbidden words.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Play the game:<\/strong> Students describe a tradition without using forbidden words while their team guesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rotate turns:<\/strong> Give each team a turn to describe and guess.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-person setup:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Prepare physical cards:<\/strong> Write traditions and Taboo words on index cards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Play in groups: <\/strong>Students describe their traditions while their team guesses.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Award points:<\/strong> Rotate until each team has had a turn, and award points for correct answers.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>These ESL holiday activities are a great way to make language learning festive and fun! When students explore and share global traditions, they build cultural awareness and enjoy learning together. Try these activities, and turn your classroom into a celebration of language and culture!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-ready-to-make-your-young-learner-lessons-more-engaging-and-more-effective-all-year-long-explore-bridge%E2%80%99s-teaching-english-to-young-learners-and-teenagers-specialized-certifications-to-build-practical-skills-and-strategies-you-can-use-from-day-one-\"><em>Ready to make your young learner lessons more engaging and more effective all year long? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/specialized\/teaching-english-to-young-learners\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Explore Bridge\u2019s Teaching English to Young Learners and Teenagers Specialized Certifications to build practical skills and strategies you can use from day one.<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you want to bring the joy of global celebrations into your ESL classroom? These 10 ESL holiday activities help teachers explore world traditions, share favorite customs, and build language [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":73,"featured_media":36300,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,13,14],"tags":[645,619,650,651,649,628,618,652],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-35658","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-classroom-games-activities","category-teach-english-abroad","category-teaching-english-online","tag-elt-games","tag-games-for-adults","tag-games-for-children","tag-games-for-teens","tag-icebreakers-and-fillers","tag-resources","tag-teaching-groups-online","tag-vocabulary-games"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/10-ESL-Activities-to-Explore-Global-Holidays-and-Traditions-featured-image.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Ricardo Cifuentes","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/ricardo-cifuentes\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35658","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/73"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35658"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35658\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41066,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35658\/revisions\/41066"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35658"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35658"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35658"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=35658"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=35658"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}